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The revision to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) made on 12th December 2024, which was followed by minor changes on 7th February 2025, introduced flexibility in the way proposals for new developments are viewed in the Green Belt. It is important to note that Grey Belt is land within the Green Belt and, in…

Over the past 6 months, the Government has undertaken consultation and proceeded with preparing and implementing some key reforms to the planning system which may impact the chances and options available for development. Let us have a glance at some of the key reforms. National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Key reforms to the NPPF are…

The Renters’ Rights Bill entered the committee stage in the House of Lords from 22nd  April 2025. In previous reports, the Bill was expected to be passed into law by spring or summer this year. However, more recent information is alluding to the changes being postponed until autumn 2026. Abolishment of the Section 21 Ultimately,…

Valuation is the foundation cornerstone of effective agricultural Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning. In 2025, with increasing regulatory attention and diversified land use, getting a professional, accurate, and HMRC-compliant valuation is not just advisable, it is essential. For decades, farming families have relied on IHT reliefs, such as Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief…

Like a hole in the head, Rachel Reeves has revoked a 1992 inheritance tax exemption for farms, resulting in farmers having to pay 20% in tax over £1 million with effect from April next year.  If farmers weren’t struggling already to make ends meet, these taxation changes have led to landowners looking for means of…

New Starters We have welcomed four new starters so far this year. Deborah Morisot joined us at the beginning of the year as Practice Manager. She has many years’ experience of business management having run a limited company with her husband for 19 years. Debi brings an enthusiastic and empathetic approach to the day-to-day running…

With the recent economic uncertainty surrounding Trump and his reciprocal global tariffs, people needed something to lift their spirits, and what better way than a theme park! It has been announced by Sir Keir Starmer that Universal Studios is coming to Bedfordshire, with the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks being transformed into one of the biggest…

It is common for major infrastructure projects to consider protected species such as bats, badgers, newts or similar, and common place for mitigation schemes to hit the headlines for the significant cost as part of major schemes. Anyone who has had dealings with the planning system will likely have come across ecology-based validation requirements for…

Our April auction, which took place last week, was our largest yet with 39 lots on offer! We once again had a variety of lots including houses which needed refurbishment, bungalows, apartments, family houses, building plots, agricultural land, a fishing lake, offices, and a shop. In 2024, we offered 150 lots at our 6 auctions…

The commercial property market is showing encouraging signs after a quiet second half to 2024. 2024 did start well, especially in the retail and office sectors, but political changes and issues arising out of the budget caused hesitation in the market. This year so far, all sectors have improved, but we are seeing more activity…